28 Days of Connection: Kylie Bellard

“I don’t have a religion. But the thing I believe in most is kindness.

That might sound cheesy, but it’s true.

I’m Kylie Bellard, and I’m an empowerment coach and photographer.

I teach sensitive, smart folks how to love themselves and care for themselves really, really well.

That’s the coaching part of what I do. It has a lot to do with being kind to yourself and allowing the world to benefit from that kindness.

I also capture people’s souls on (digital) film as a portrait photographer. My favorite thing is working with somebody who’s super-shy, totally convinced that they hate having their photo taken, and then helping them get so comfy and happy that they end up with photos that show them the best bits of who they are.”

Kylie teaches what I really need to learn in a way I can best receive, understand and integrate. I absolutely *love* Kylie’s message and style of writing!I participated in one of Kylie’s classes a few months back – the materials were overflowing with insights and tools; she was very present in the forum, it was an *amazing* experience. I am also registered for Kylie’s free Unencumbered class beginning February 3 (join in if you’d like!).

Here is the ‘thing’. I don’t like Superbowl Sunday (I wrote about why here: 28 Days of Love: Grace). I still have a bit of inner work to do around the idea of being comfortable and feeling safe in my body. So, I find it extraordinary that, without planning the timing, Kylie’s message coincides with the energy of “the day I wished away”. How is that for Universal Magic?!

Here are Kylie’s answers:

1. What is your definition of love?

Wow, what a question! To me, love is a deep feeling of adoration that may or may not be directed at a particular person or thing. It’s expansive, steady, powerful, and fluid. It’s an infinite source of wellbeing.

2. What does it feel like when you are connected with love?

It feels like lightness and sweetness in your chest. You might experience a sense of oneness with your world. You’re grounded and steady, and able to act and make choices from the wisest part of yourself.

3. In your opinion, why would one choose to close to love? From that closed space, what is one practice or step a person could take to open to love again?

I think the biggest reason that we choose to close to love is to protect ourselves. We’re afraid that feeling love for ourselves or others will result in pain, so we decide to opt out of that pain by closing off. The problem is that this decision also cuts us off from joy and connection, without which life just isn’t, well, lively.

One powerful step we can take toward opening to love is allowing ourselves to be slightly vulnerable or loving with a kind person, someone whom we can trust. We can achieve that vulnerability very simply: by sharing with that person something as simple as, “I’m feeling sad right now. Can I have a hug?” Or by saying, “You make me smile.”

Doing those things cracks open the door by taking an emotional chance. But as long as you choose to do this with a person who’s kind and loving, you’ll get a major infusion of warm fuzzies from whatever happens next.

4. How do you choose to cultivate love?

I cultivate love on a daily basis by loving myself and caring for myself as best I can, by being a support to the people I love most, and by teaching others how to love themselves and care for themselves.I’m totally imperfect in all of this, but I do my best. And that, in itself, is a loving way to look at things.

5. May you share an experience of receiving unconditional love?

I remember as a kid, I was always very sensitive (still am!). I was also very “good”: I never broke the rules or misbehaved. I remember dropping a drinking glass on the floor when I was in elementary school. It shattered, and I started crying because I was afraid that my mom would be upset. When she came in and saw what had happened, she wasn’t angry at all. She knew I didn’t mean to do it, and she gave me a hug and assured me that mistakes happen, and it’s okay. And then she helped me clean it up.

I’ve had countless experiences of receiving unconditional love since then, of course. But this one really sticks with me because it was such a simple instance of receiving love, even when I’d done something wrong.

6. What would you like us to know about love?

Love is a powerful resource to call upon when you’re having a hard time. If you can connect with a sense of love when you’re scared, nervous, or sad, you’ll be able to gather some extra strength to make it through the darkness.

You can do this by tapping into your inner reserves of love, by connecting with another person, or even by reading a blog post that makes your heart feel full. There are countless ways to call upon it, and it’s always there for you, no matter what.

I love that Kylie presented a new point of view for me about “how does it feel when you are connected with love?” Kylie: “You’re grounded and steady, and able to act and make choices from the wisest part of yourself.” I am learning to be grounded and steady when connected with love – but it hadn’t yet been the norm for me!

I also love the experience of unconditional love that Kylie chose to share – an experience in which she “received love, even when she’d done something wrong.”

Dear reader, may you share an experience from your life of an instance in which you received love, even when you had done something wrong? And, as you read Kylie’s words and feel into her message, what arises within for you? (when you share, you inspire)

February’s Energetic Intention Circle is now open through February 7, 2014. There are complimentary as well as paid subscription options. For more information, and to add your intention, please click the title link.

Comments on: "28 Days of Connection: Kylie Bellard" (6)

I enjoyed hearing about how Kylie received love from her mom when she dropped the glass. It made me remember the time in kindergarten when I decided that the other kids needed to see how interesting the world “out there” was! Somehow, without anyone noticing, I led the entire kindergarten class off the playground, being careful to get them all to hold hands and be careful of traffic! The wonderful part of the story is that none of the 3 teachers there yelled at me or made me feel bad about myself, although they did let me know that I was not supposed to do that again, but in the sweetest and most loving way possible. I will be forever grateful for how the teachers handled that situation!

Okay, I am laughing…and I know it’s not “funny” but I can imagine you leading the children. At least you got them all to hold hands and be careful of traffic!!! Your teachers sounds quite kind and thoughtful – how wonderful for you to receive their guidance in a loving way!

I am still smiling! I love that you were a leader at such a young age!!!

Have had to come back to this question as I have not been able to think of a single thing…for the life of me! Brings up a lot of inner sadness really – I was trained up to be a good girl and not rock the boat, and there was a lot of judgement going on in the family. As a result I connected with animals moreso than people – they demonstrated love immeasurably- especially our pet cockatoo.

Am a little freaked out at being vulnerable, but happy to have joined the Unencumbered: Fly Free group with Kylie – Brilliantly challenging!

I am so happy that you joined Kylie’s group, Patricia! Kylie is a wonderful guide!

Thank you for sharing through a vulnerable space, here – I am sure many readers have had the same experience as you. This is why my passion, my purpose is to share love – unconditional love. When we haven’t experienced it, mind tends to push it away because it is unfamiliar to us. So, even something as “simple” as reading this series familiarizes mind with the possibility and opens energetic doors.

If you feel comfortable sharing I would love to hear of an experience with your animals!

Please share your voice: "28 Days of Connection: Kylie Bellard"

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